Historic Tour of Matjiesfontein

    Bar johny the entertainer resized
    Hotel outside resized

    by The Lord Milner Hotel in Karoo

    05 Sep 2016
    Clock 45min      Length1mi
    Rating
    70 ratings
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    Tourdescription About the audio tour

    Tour the perfectly preserved Victorian town of Matjiesfontein with renowned author Dean Allen. Starting at the majestic Lord Milner Hotel, you'll be guided down the high street, through the immaculate gardens, and along the train station, ending up at The Laird's Arms for a well-deserved pint.

    Over the course of the walk, Dean will tell the tale of the village's creation by the 'ideal colonialist', James Logan, in the late 1800s. You will follow Logan's transformation from a penniless 19-year-old Scottish immigrant to the man who built a model town in the middle of nowhere, influenced trade and politics, and toured Britain with his very own South African cricket team.

    For more about Dean Allen, visit his website: www.deanallen.co.za

    Majorlandmarks Major Landmarks

    Startingpoint Directions to starting point

    The tour begins outside The Lord Milner Hotel on Matjiesfontein's main road, in the picturesque front courtyard.

    Tips Tips

    Places to stop along the way:

    The Old Post Office, Travellers Chapel, The Transport Museum, The Marie Rawdon Museum, Railway Museum, Coffee House, The Laird's Arms

    Best time of day:

    The walk can be done at any time, but the gardens are particularly beautiful in the morning. You might like to start this tour around 4:30pm, to arrive at the Laird's Arms in time to take "the world's shortest bus tour", which leaves from right in front of the pub.

    Precautions:

    If there has been heavy rain, the river crossing may be flooded. Please check this with the hotel's front desk before starting the tour. The gardens are also known to have a few resident snakes, so keep your eyes open and be aware along this section.

    Preview

    the first 3 tracks
    Apple
    Available on iPhone

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    Available on Android

    Google Play

    Comments


    Plus Write a comment

    Missing

    What a fun way to discover that there is more to Matjiesfontein than just the main road! Our 10 year old son loved it (he's a cricket fanatic which helped for sure) and we will definitely be back to spend a weekend at the gorgeous-looking Lord Milner Hotel.

    Posted by Anonymous Explorer , almost 2 years ago
    Missing

    It was awesome and so interesting!! Amazing history. So much fun to listen while walking. And my husband also listened and it was not me talking! Erika van Rooyen

    Posted by Eavan R , over 3 years ago

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